Master Builder's Quiz: Organic Architecture

We've all seen the aisles of organic produce that have begun popping up in grocery stores. But how much do you know about organic architecture? Take our quiz to test your knowledge!

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Question 1 of 11

Let's start with the basics: What is organic architecture?

the 19th-century philosophy that architectural design should arise organically from the fancies of the mind

the 20th-century philosophy that form and function in architecture should be united

Derived from architect Louis Sullivan's belief that form follows function, organic architecture extended that principle to the idea that form and function should be united in design.

the 21st-century philosophy that structures should be built using only organically grown materials

Question 2 of 11

What is one defining characteristic of organic architecture?

Organic architecture pays special attention to materials, aiming to maintain the integrity of the substance in the structure's design.

Part of the doctrine that form and function should be united involves careful consideration of materials when creating a design. For instance, an architect adhering to organic principles wouldn't design a lacy pattern on a staircase but cast it out of iron, and wouldn't attempt to mold soft cotton into sharp geometric shapes.

Frank Lloyd Wright was a disciple of Louis Sullivan, who developed the seed of the idea for organic architecture. Wright was an innovator in urban planning and is remembered as one of the greatest architects in recent history.

Question 4 of 11

What is the difference between green architecture and organic architecture?

Organic architecture is based largely on aesthetic and design principles, while green architecture centers on building methods.

Green architecture, also known as sustainable architecture, emphasizes the use of sustainable, renewable resources. Organic architecture is primarliy an aesthetic and design-centric principle, while green architecture has more of a social and practical focus.

Green architecture has very little social conscience, while organic architecture centers on it.

Question 5 of 11

What is the Gaia charter?

an agreement across all architectural organizations to only use locally produced materials

a compact stating that all architecutral plans would be reviewed by a committee prior to construction to ensure adherence to organic principles

a set of rules that defined organic architecture

Established in connection with the Gaia movement, a network of groups dedicated to sustainable living, the Gaia charter established a set of rules for organic architecture. Among them were requirements that organic architecture must satisfy social, physical and spiritual needs, and that it be inspired by nature.

Question 6 of 11

Who devised the Gaia charter?

environmentalist James Lovelock

architect Louis Sullivan

theorist and architect David Pearson

David Pearson proposed the original Gaia charter. Eric Corey Freed later summarized it more simply by stating that buildings should (figuratively) grow from seeds to join their surroundings as plants do in nature.

Question 7 of 11

Claude Bragdon was a major figure in organic architecture. What was one unlikely hallmark of his style?

Bragdon used a great deal of synthetic materials, like plastics, in his designs.

Bragdon's buildings were very regular, symmetrical and geometric in style.

It might seem odd for an organic architect, but Bragdon favored geometric shapes in his design. He believed that true unity could only be achieved in the absence of individualism, which influenced his heavy use of regualr shapes and symmetry.

Bragdon's buildings only used 90-degree angles.

Question 8 of 11

Hugo Häring, another key player in the world of organic architecture, took an approach that was quite different than Bragdon's. How so?

Häring only designed using flowing lines -- no angles of any kind.

Häring felt that every piece of organic architecture must be unique to the site and the client.

Häring believed that organic architecture must be unique. Where Bragdon favored repetition and unity, Häring developed his projects almost exclusively based on the unique requirements of the site and his clients' wishes.

Häring refused to duplicate any type of shape in his buildings, believing that a true connection to nature could only be achieved through irregularity.

Question 9 of 11

Fallingwater, a privately commissioned home, is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous works of organic architecture. In what distinctively organic location was Fallingwater constructed?

in a mountain cave

over a waterfall

Appropriately, Fallingwater was built over a waterfall, its concrete and glass design echoing the majesty and drama of the waterfall below. Wright's somewhat infamous temper and stubbornness came out during the project when the client brought in an engineer from a non-organic discipline; Wright threatened to take his plans and desert the project.

beneath a sand dune

Question 10 of 11

Fallingwater wasn't the only Frank Lloyd Wright building with a history. What dramatic events did Wright's residence, Taliesin, undergo?

A servant set the property on fire and murdered members of Wright's family and staff.

In the early 1900s, while Wright was away on a job, one of his servants set fire to Taliesin and murdered no fewer than seven people. Wright's studio survived, but he lost family, staff, and most of his residence in the tragedy.

The structure was almost completely destroyed a total of three times due to earthquakes.

Two of Wright's wives died in childbirth in the residence.

Question 11 of 11

Organic architecture isn't all about the architect's view of nature; it also gives consideration to the needs of the client. What might these needs entail?

the occupants' dietary preferences

the occupants' color preferences

the occupants' hobbies

As occupants of a building, the needs of the client were regarded as an important part of a structure's functionality and design. Each architect defined the concept with his or her own nuances, but factors like a family's hobbies (Do they like to cook? Play piano in the den?) were often considered strongly. Frank Lloyd Wright was of the opinion that through this consideration, a family's daily life could be elevated to a higher plane and the structure would fully serve its purpose.